A gas tanker truck blew up on a highway in Mexico City on Wednesday, causing a blaze and sending smoke across the southern part of the city. The incident left at least 57 individuals injured, with some suffering severe burns and others standing in the street with burned clothing, waiting for assistance.
Mayor Clara Brugada described the explosion beneath a highway overpass as an “emergency,” which resulted in 18 vehicles catching fire and 19 people sustaining serious injuries. Thankfully, there have been no fatalities reported, and the injured individuals have been transported to different hospitals around the city.
Brugada said prosecutors were investigating the incident, but it appeared that the truck exploded after it tipped over on the highway.
Authorities shared online images showing intense flames engulfing a truck, while social media videos captured scenes of people screaming and fleeing from the explosion. Among them were two men with severe burn injuries, their shredded clothes fused to their skin, as emergency response vehicles rushed past.
Cesar Cravioto, the government secretary of Mexico City, said the fire was “completely under control.”
The toppled gas tanker displayed the logo of the energy company Silza. However, when contacted by the Associated Press, an unidentified company official claimed it was not their vehicle, stating their operations are limited to northern Mexico. The company has yet to respond to an email inquiry for further clarification.
Mayor Brugada promptly arrived at the explosion site to assist firefighters and medical teams. Firefighters were actively dousing the flames emanating from the overturned gas tanker.
This explosion took place on one of the main highways leading out of the capital, heading towards Puebla city. The local government announced that this thoroughfare would remain closed until further notice.
